Day: September 22, 2024

Exceptional waterfall experience, the Amedzofe Canopy Walkway, has been adjudged the visitor attraction of the year at the 2024 Volta Regional Tourism Awards.

The multi-sectional walkway which traverses a steep waterfall at Ghana’s highest human settlement easily became one of the most visited locations nationwide, and the attraction includes the hundreds of stairs leading to the falls.

The site has received tens of thousands of visitors in record time, directly and indirectly contributing millions to the economy of the Ho West District and Region as a whole.

A citation that came plaque recognised the immense contribution to the tourism landscape, becoming a potent magnet for enhancing visitor flow into the Volta Region.

Augustine Oti Yeboah, Manager of the facility who received the award, spoke to the GNA, and said, ‘we are happy we have won this award, and it gives us zeal to do more.’

The facility head said visitor numbers continued to hold,’ and that ‘for a new facility seeing the kind of results we
are seeing now, it is encouraging, and it gives us the zeal to do more.

Mr. Oti Yeboah revealed to the GNA, plans to expand the facility developments to cover some parts of the Ho West.

‘A time will come that Ho West will become a major tourism hub in the entire Volta Region. We are looking at having a zip line and other facilities within the enclave. So, we are talking about Ashanti Kpoeta, Hornuta and so on. We will be looking around those areas to add value to what is there now.’

The Amedzofe development forms part of an environmental sustainability project funded by the World Bank and involves the reclamation of close to 1000 hectares to help revive an endangered species.

Mr Oti Yeboah said the facility records over 1000 visitors on peak days, and spoke of stringent measures in safety, saying the facilities were being maintained on regular basis.

‘So far so good, and the reviews are good. I think one thing we need to look at is our road networks which we are currently working on because now the Assem
bly has equipment that can be used to work on our roads.

Proceeds from the site directly benefit the community by law while locals derive both direct and indirect incomes from various economic opportunities of the visitor invasion.

Mr Robert Ameh, Assembly Member for the area said the community continued to support the facility’s success, which he mentioned involved the maintenance of a peaceful atmosphere to sustain visitor experience.

He said for the community, the award recognition most significantly signaled the wealth of natural experience and should therefore enhance the appeal to potential investors.

‘We are excited that this has come to our community. We are all aware that the canopy walkway is the first of its kind in the Volta Region and the community has supported in ensuring that there is peace and whenever tourists come, they relax and enjoy themselves.

‘This award is good news for us, and it shows that the potential we have is not exhaustive. We are proud and we are equally humbled that wit
hin just three years, we have been able to reach this height. And for us it is just the beginning, because when you want to talk about tourism and the potential, you just come to Amedzofe. There are numerous potentials, and we are inviting a lot more investors to come and explore and take advantage of the opportunities that are available, and we as a community will not relent to achieve this kind of height.’

The Assembly Member spoke of the impact on the local economy, and said it facilitated the realisation of numerous community projects and initiatives.

‘The canopy walkway has contributed so much to community development. They have supported our education, they have supported our water project by providing two mechanised boreholes for the community, and they have also supported sanitation, and it has contributed so much to the development of community activity- projects that we have initiated, it has contributed so much to it. Two years now we have seen a huge transformation, and a lot of things are in th
e pipeline coming. So, we think it is a blessing,’ he said.

Mr. Ameh urged the community to take advantage of the endless business and entrepreneurial possibilities and appealed to the President of the Republic to fulfil an earlier promise to construct roads in the area, saying it remained crucial to delivering the visitor expectations.

The 2024 Volta Tourism Awards was on the theme ‘Celebrating Innovation and Recognising Excellence in Ghana’s Tourism Sector,’ and was attended by various stakeholders in within the tourism space.

Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister who oversees dedicated efforts towards tourism in the Region, received the coveted Special Honorary Award for promoting Volta.

In a speech, he said, ‘the Volta Region is truly a gem in Ghana’s tourism landscape’ and commended the efforts of dedicated individuals and institutions.

The Regional Minister said in recognition of tourism in Ghana’s economic development, the government-maintained commitment to providing continuous sup
port to the sector and urged players and investors to consider the prospects for eco, and adventure tourism among other sustainable trends.

Some notable winners of the night are the First Sky Group, corporate organisation of the year.

Volta Serene Hotel, a member of the First Sky Group, won the four-star facility of the year award.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ms Melody M. Darkey, the National Programmes Coordinator of Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) has debunked the assertion that the term gender is always conversation about women

She said the term referred to the socially constructed perceptions of what it meant to be a man, and a woman based on which roles were ascribed.

‘Is not anti-male, neither is it a war between the sexes but it affects all sexes and so, we all have a stake in the struggle for gender equality,’ she noted.

Ms Darkey said these in a presentation on Gender Reporting at a four-day training programme, The Post COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP) for senior editors, editors, chief reports and stringers from the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Sogakope.

The training, a Government of Ghana initiative funded by the African Development Bank through the Social Investment Fund is being implemented by the Institute for Digital Marketing and Communication (IDMC) Ghana.

The Gender Expert explained the
only reason issues of women seemingly featured prominently in gender discussions was because some cultural beliefs, practices and stereotypes had disadvantaged women in the past hence the need to empower women to reduce the inequality between them and men saying, ‘but gender should concern both sexes.

She said, ‘existing gender and social norms perpetuate gender inequality. For example, unpaid work (like house chores, caring for children) is considered the sole responsibility of women while men are supposed to be the breadwinners. But a woman who is working and getting paid should be able to support the spouse financially while the man can also give a helping hand at home.

‘A woman who decides to go strictly by the social training, even though she may be working and earning more than her spouse, will keep her money and expect the man to do all the spending, giving unnecessary pressure to the man which can lead to his sudden death. This is what gender equality simply seeks to address.’

The training covered
areas such as advocacy in health communication, micro, small and medium enterprises promotion, and climate change issues with the aim to enhance the capacity of GNA journalists for a more informed and resilient society.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has held its second phase of the Inter-party Dialogue Committe meeting to sustain peace and create awareness on violent extremism.

The day’s meeting, held in Tamale, formed part of the NCCE’s measures to address election-related concerns, promote tolerance and prevent potential conflicts before, during and after the 2024 general election.

It was supported by the European Union as part of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism project, and attended by representatives of political parties, traditional authorities, religious leaders, women, and youth groups amongst other stakeholders.

Mr Imoro Tahiru, Tamale Metropolitan Director of NCCE, speaking during the meeting, urged community members to continue to work together with the Police to clamp down on crimes in their localities.

He urged the Electoral Commission to maintain its independence and impartiality towards all political parties to ensure free, fair, t
ransparent, and peaceful elections.

He advised leadership of political parties and the Electoral Commission to strictly adhere to the electoral rules and laws.

Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Cosmos Awe, Tamale District Police Commander, appealed to the citizenry to be one another’s keeper in their communities.

He said the prevention of crime and violent extremism was a collective responsibility and not to be left for only the security agencies.

Mr Awe said ‘This is the time we need to be extra careful within our communities, marketplaces, worship centres and gatherings. People with bad intentions can use this political period to divide us and destabilise the peace we are enjoying.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in Takoradi has honoured its officers for their tireless efforts and dedication to the church’s growth and development.

The appreciation ceremony was part of PIWC Takoradi’s efforts to recognize and reward its members for their contributions to the church’s mission.

In a special appreciation ceremony held at the church premises, the PIWC Takoradi leadership presented gifts to the officers, recognizing their selfless service to the church.

Mr Fiifi Enchill who shared the sermon read from Luke 17:10-19 and said appreciation was a fundamental part of our call to serve God and our lives.

He recalled from the passage of the scriptures that the only person who went to show appreciation was also made whole.

He admonished that appreciating the officers should look beyond their limitations and status because they act in the authority of God.

Giving ways to appreciate the efforts of the offices, he mentioned that gifts, respect, and honor could be given to them.

‘
We should also do that by praying for them, visiting and checking on them as well as empathizing with them.’

Touching on the power of appreciation, he said it opened doors for growth and increase and motivates others to do more.

Mr Enchill also admonished the members to teach their children the need to show appreciation and set examples for them to emulate.

According to him, ingratitude was a form of pride and God abhors pride and therefore, urged the members to appreciate God for His blessings and the people God has positioned as leaders over them.

Pastor Borngreat Selase Amedeka, Resident Minister of the church praised the officers for their commitment and hard work, and said their dedication was the backbone of the church’s success.

He stressed, ‘We appreciate your sacrifices and tireless efforts in serving the Lord.’

Some officers who received awards thanked the church leadership and members for the recognition.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Concerned Mothers Movement, a women and girls centered NGO in the Western Region has congratulated Lawyer Efua Ghartey, the newly elected Ghana Bar Association President and her Vice Victoria on their great feat.

The Mother’s Movement said their ascending into the high office gives credence to the leadership abilities of women and girls when given the opportunity and the enabling environment to thrive.

A Statement signed by the Executive Director of the Movement, Mrs. Josephine Amoh said, ‘We as a Movement want to use her rise to the higher office among other women both in Ghana and the world over to remind the girl child in particular that all positive dreams are possible to be achieved with dedication determined and an undeterred attitude to make a difference in society’.

Women, the Movement held were fundamental fibre to societal development and entreated families to give the needed support, advise, encouragement and inspiration for her holistic development.

Lawyer Efua Ghartey, after one year as
a Legal Aid Officer, working for the under-privileged in society, joined the Law Firm, Akufo-Addo, Prempeh and Co. as an associate.

In 1994, she co-founded Ghartey and Ghartey with Joe Ghartey.

In 2005, she succeeded Hon. Joe Ghartey, who subsequently became the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, as the Head of the Law Firm.

Her focus is corporate law, with emphasis on joint ventures, corporate restructuring, labour and employment, company law, maritime law, and litigation.

She has considerable experience in litigation and has appeared before all the courts in Ghana including, the Supreme Court.

Efua Ghartey has a Certificate in Basic and Advanced Securities from the Ghana Stock Exchange, and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution awarded by the California State University, Sacramento Centre for African Peace and Conflict Resolution and the University of Ghana Legon, Centre for International Affairs.

Efua Ghartey is a member of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) an
d has held executive positions in FIDA (Ghana) from 1992 to 1997.

She has also served as member / secretary of several committees of the Ghana Bar Association and is a member of the National Executive of the Ghana Bar Association. She is the Immediate past President of the Greater Accra Bar Association.

Efua Ghartey has served on various boards, both national and international. Until November 2019, she was the Chairperson of the Global Council of the United Bible Societies, Worldwide, Chairperson of the Council of the Bible Society of Ghana and a member of its Business Committee.

She is the immediate past Chairperson of World Vision Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Western Nzema Youth League (WNYL), a youth group, has celebrated Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana on his Memorial Day, with a call on the state to ensure a national orientation that aligns with his ideals and vision for Ghana and Africa.

A statement signed by Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, Leader of the WNYL, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said as Ghana navigated the complexities of globalization, economic challenges, and social fragmentation, there was the need for a cohesive national identity rooted in Dr Nkrumah’s principles of unity, self-determination, and Pan-Africanism.

The statement said: ‘Nkrumah’s legacy is a complex tapestry woven with threads of visionary leadership, anti-colonial struggle, and a commitment to African unity.

‘As we commemorate his birthday, the Western Nzema Youth League has taken the opportunity to eulogize Nkrumah, urging a national orientation that aligns with his ideals and vision for Ghana and Africa.’

It stated that Dr Nkrumah’s emphasis on educati
on, industrialization, and social justice remained relevant, offering a blueprint for addressing the socio-economic disparities that persisted in Ghana and across the African continent.

‘Nkrumah’s legacy is not confined to only Ghana, it resonates throughout Africa and beyond, and his advocacy for African unity and self-reliance has inspired generations of leaders and activists,’ the statement added.

It noted that as the continent faced challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and political instability, the principles he championed should be revisited and embraced by current political leadership to ensure prosperity for the people.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Or Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in Accra, in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has opposed the idea of a complete ban on secondhand clothing imports to Ghana.

The two organisations called for a balanced and systemic solution to the global textile waste crisis.

In a joint press release, they advocated a justice-led circular economy that tackled the root cause of the crisis, which had been overproduction.?

Ghana’s most populous secondhand clothing market, the Kantamanto Market, is regarded as the largest secondhand clothing hub in the world, and has been a major source of livelihoods for people in Accra and beyond.?

The entities said the local reuse economy had the potential to make Ghana a global leader in sustainable fashion and play a crucial role in Ghana’s economy.?

‘The Kantamanto Market, which is regarded as the largest secondhand clothing hub in the world, creatively reuses, repairs, and upcycles discarded clothing and provides a climate-positive solu
tion,’ they said.

Both organisations said an outright ban on secondhand imports would be detrimental and not address the issue of overproduction that had been caused by global fashion brands.?

‘The ban threatens the livelihoods of over 30,000 people working in the Kantamanto market. It undermines the model of circularity and expose the local market to new, low-quality garments from fast fashion brands,’ they said

The Or Foundation and AMA urged fashion brands to reduce production volumes and take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products under an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

They said some two other organisations had led environmental cleanup efforts in Accra and had been removing over 20 tonnes of textile and plastic waste from the city’s beaches every week.

The entities gave an assurance of their continuous support to mobilise resources to improve the secondhand clothing trade in Ghana and called for policies that hold global fashion brands accountable for the waste
they produce.?

Research had uncovered that discarded clothing tags from international brands are linked to the environmental degradation seen in Accra.?

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Agona West Municipal Assembly has inaugurated its District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to facilitate construction of roads to enhance transportation of goods and services.

”The inauguration of the equipment will serve as a game changer that will help farmers in the rural areas to bring their produce to market centres”, Mr Evans Addison Onomah Coleman, Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) has said.

The MCE was officially inaugurating the DRIP equipment at a short ceremony attended by Swedruman Council of Chiefs, staff of Agona West Assembly and machine operators at Swedru in the Central region.

Mr Coleman said it would reduce higher lorry fares charged by some commercial drivers before carting food stuffs and other goods into urban areas and further curtail postharvest losses.

He said the procurement of the DRIP equipment by President Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President was the biggest policy for advancement of roads infrastructure.

The MCE said the equipment would al
so help to eliminate huge expenditure incurred on roads maintenance by the Assembly over the years.

He disclosed that there would be no more complaints, demonstrations, and verbal warnings from some residents, especially the youth in all the 261 MMMDAs nationwide to the offices of MMDCEs about bad roads.

Mr Coleman called on the operators to take particularly diligent care of the machines to help serve the needs and aspirations of the inhabitants in the Agona West Municipality.

The MCE urged Ghanaians, especially eligible voters in the Agona West Constituency to vote massively for Dr Bawumia as President and Mr Chris Arthur as Member of Parliament to continue the effective implementation of their policies and programmes to ensure economic wellbeing of the people.

Mr Chris Arthur, the Agona West Parliamentary Candidate for New Patriotic Party (NPP) expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia for their visionary and unprecedented leadership that had given birth to DRIP equipment for the maint
enance of community roads.

The PC said during campaigning for the parliamentary primary he spent huge sums of money to hire grader to reshape some roads in the constituency and that that had ended.

Mr Arthur said he had already submitted several roads to be constructed as early as practicable to the office of the MCE and the DRIP committee and it has successfully been approved and works had begun.

He said the road linking Otabilkrom to the One District One Factory site was being constructed to bring relief to the residents there.

Mr Arthur called on the supporters of the party to rally behind him as parliamentary Candidate and Dr Bawumia to win massively on December 7, 2024.

Alhaji Gibrine Tanko, Agona West Constituency Chairperson of NPP, cautioned some group of persons who were nation wreckers and had allegedly planned to destroy the machines to derail the plans of government to rescind their decision.

He expressed optimism that the Assembly would tighten security and guard against thievery of the DRI
P equipment so that communities in the constituency whose roads were in deplorable state could be constructed.

Alhaji Tanko called on the rank and file of the party to team up with the constituency executives to work extra hard to enable the PC and Dr Bawumia to win massively, adding that the Agona West had only one Parliamentary Candidate who was democratically elected on Saturday April 13, 2024.

Nana Kweku Esieni V, the Regent of Agona Swedru assured the Assembly that the chiefs would do everything possible to ensure that policies and programmes of the government were successfully implemented.

He called on the operators of the machines to own them by taking diligent care of them so that the residents would reap maximum benefits to enhance effective roads maintenance.

Nana Esieni who is the Nifahene of Agona Swedru, urged the Assembly to adopt efficient and effective ways to increase revenue collection to help buy gasoil to fuel the machines all the time.

Mr William Apraku, Chief Operator of Agona West
Municipal Assembly on behalf of the colleagues expressed gratitude to the government for providing the DRIP equipment and assured that they would be properly maintained and work effectively.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Nana Egya Kwamina XI, the Divisional Chief of Apremdo has reminded stakeholders in the governance space to bequeath to the youth an acceptable society.

‘If as present leaders, we destroy all our water bodies and vegetation covered with galamsey, what will be left for the survival of the next generation.’

The videos of galamsey activities showed how leadership has failed to provide policies and regulations with strict enforcement to the latter that would enable responsible mining.

Nana Kwamina XI was speaking at the Diocesan Youth Congress of the Catholic Church on the theme, ‘Those who hope in the Lord will not be weary’ (Isaiah 40:31).

He congratulated the leadership of the Diocesan Youth for putting together the youth congress.

Youth is the future of our society, ‘yes this is true, but I would invite all of us to kindly reflect on this statement whenever we are taking any decision be it as adult leader or as a youth.’

He spoke about the South Africa example of proper mining that must be emulated by G
hana to save the country from the emerging public health crisis.

The Chief noted, ‘I was in South Africa December last year. They have minerals but I did not see any river being polluted like ours. They also have youth among their population just like Ghana, but the difference lies with policies and law enforcement by the collective leadership.’

He also urged the youth to stay from violence as the election draw nearer…’do not be the medium through which politicians use to unleash violence and disturbances, the sad part is that the children of the politicians who themselves are also youth, will not be part of the violent clashes.’

‘As a youth, you must ask yourself, what adequate preparation am I making to prepare myself for the responsibility that lies ahead for the future.’

He noted that youthfulness was a transitory phase of life; ‘every adult has been a youth before, and every youth will eventually become an adult. The preparation you make now will determine the adult you will become.’

There are decen
t ways of participating in the electoral process. We have a collective responsibility to promote and ensure peaceful elections before, during and after December polls.

He entreated the catholic youth to hold high their teachings and get busy with studies, trade, and various professional activities.

‘Be positive peer pressure on your friends to advise them not to be involved in political violence,’ he added.

Source: Ghana News Agency